In 1995, after years of
less-than-optimistic outcomes for students with Autism
Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities Institute
(DDI) established the Young Autism Program (YAP), a
comprehensive effort that has the goal of returning
children with autism to regular kindergarten by age
six. This program is among the most intensive for
children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United
States.
Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders are accepted into YAP prior to 48
months of age, provided their school district or the
Department of Health approves. Additionally, each
child’s parents must agree to participate in both
theoretical and hands-on training in order to continue
their child’s treatment at home. Upon entry into YAP,
children receive individualized instruction six hours
per day.
Since autism affects a
child’s ability to communicate and socialize with
others, the initial focus of our intervention is to
treat each child’s difficulties in these two areas.
Children receive continuous instruction in order to
discriminate language, produce sounds, then words and
phrases and ultimately reciprocal conversation
Though children
initially spend their entire instructional day at DDI,
as they progress, they are enrolled in nursery schools
with typically developing children. During this time,
our students are taught to model the language and social
behaviors of their peers. This unique balance of
individualized instruction and group practice continues
until staff, parents, and the school district agree the
child is ready to enroll in kindergarten.
YAP LOCATIONS
1 Scouting Boulevard
Medford, NY 11763
Phone 631-297-3200
Fax 631-205-1763
Please be take note the Phone Number for Medford has changed
as of 8/9/06
90 Air Park Drive
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Phone 631-580-4000
Fax 631-471-1954
